Student innovation expo showcases 55+ AI, robotics and cybersecurity projects, Targets investors and startup ecosystem

KATHMANDU: More than 55 student-developed projects spanning artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, software development and digital innovation are being showcased at a technology and business exhibition in Kathmandu, highlighting Nepal’s growing potential in innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy.

The exhibition, titled Presidential Innovista 2.0, 2026, has been organized by Presidential Graduate School, which operates in affiliation with Westcliff University. The two-day technology and business carnival aims to provide a platform for students to present innovative solutions while connecting them with industry leaders, investors and startup opportunities.

According to the organizers, more than 170 students are participating in the event, which runs through June 26, featuring projects designed to address real-world challenges through emerging technologies.

AI, Robotics and Cybersecurity Take Center Stage

This year’s Innovista focuses on five major technology domains: Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and Robotics, Cyber Village, Software Development, and Technoversity.

Among the exhibition’s key attractions are an FPV drone capable of performing flower-petal showers, a robot soccer system, a dancing robot that moves to music, and an AI-powered emotion detection system that analyzes facial expressions and recommends music based on the user’s mood.

Students have also developed cybersecurity projects designed to tackle online fraud, data breaches and digital banking security challenges. Several solutions aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and protecting personal and financial information are being demonstrated during the exhibition.

Technology Solutions for Agriculture, Tourism and Smart Living

Beyond AI and robotics, students have showcased practical innovations targeting agriculture, tourism and smart-home applications.

Projects on display include a smart irrigation system for agriculture, an intelligent home safety solution equipped with automatic gas leak detection and shutoff mechanisms, tourism promotion software, and a remotely controlled vehicle integrated with a 360-degree camera system.

Organizers say the projects demonstrate how emerging technologies can be applied to improve everyday life, enhance security, boost agricultural productivity and create new business opportunities.

From Classroom Projects to Commercial Ventures

Speaking at the event, Presidential Graduate School Founder and Chairman Laxman KC said the institution aims to transform student innovations from academic projects into commercially viable products and startups.

“Our objective is to demonstrate that world-class innovation is possible in Nepal,” KC said. “These projects have been developed from scratch by our students. The next step is to connect them with industries, investors and markets so they can evolve into sustainable businesses.”

He added that the school’s Business Incubation Center will support promising projects with commercialization, mentorship and startup development opportunities.

The institution plans to foster collaboration between information technology and business students to help innovators prepare their projects for investment, market entry and entrepreneurial growth.

Platform for Future Innovators

The event also features participation from more than 34 recently graduated higher secondary (+2) students from various colleges. Under the Technoversity pavilion, they are showcasing innovations developed during a week-long mentorship program led by Presidential Graduate School students.

Organizers said winners in this category will receive prizes of up to NPR 100,000, encouraging young innovators to pursue technology-driven solutions and entrepreneurship.

Bridging Education, Industry and Global Opportunities

Presidential Graduate School Director and Principal Kalpana Gurung described Innovista as more than an exhibition, calling it a platform that connects students with future educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

According to Gurung, the institution’s collaboration with Westcliff University, credit-transfer programs, skill development initiatives and industry partnerships are designed to prepare students for international education pathways, global employment markets and startup ecosystems.

“This event will be organized annually,” Gurung said. “By bringing investors and industry leaders together with students, we aim to create opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and startup growth. We believe this initiative will help unlock new possibilities in Nepal’s technology and business sectors.”

Supporting Nepal’s Digital Economy and Startup Ecosystem

The exhibition comes at a time when Nepal is witnessing increasing interest in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation-led entrepreneurship and startup development.

With projects ranging from AI-powered applications and robotics to smart agriculture and cybersecurity solutions, the event reflects a growing shift toward technology-driven problem-solving among Nepal’s youth.

Organizers believe such initiatives can play a crucial role in strengthening Nepal’s startup ecosystem, fostering innovation-led economic growth and helping build a knowledge-based digital economy capable of competing in regional and global markets.

Currently, Presidential Graduate School has approximately 1,400 students, supported by more than 90 faculty members and over 45 administrative staff. The institution says it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders in Nepal.